Chapter 126

AN: So I've made a habit of posting a chapter on important holidays. Since today is the 4th of July I decided why not? So even if you don't celebrate Independence Day, have a safe and restful day!

As always, thank you for the support! I appreciate it deeply!

This morning should have been perfect.

Hermione ran her fingers through Severus' hair. There were a few stray strands of gray present, but nobody aside from her would notice them. His muscles were relaxed, almost as if he had never feared losing his memory. She kissed his forehead.

God she loved this wizard.

Her chest ached as she rolled up her long, black eyes fell onto her forearm. A chill ran up her spine, leaving her body cold.

Mudblood.

Boiling tears filled her eyes as she allowed her nightshirt sleeve to fall, covering her arm once more.

Why can I not enjoy one minute of uninterrupted bliss with my husband?

"Hermione."

She startled.

Severus pried his eyes open. "Love?"

"I'm here," Hermione whispered.

He yawned. "Did I wake up last night?"

"If you did I was not aware of it."

He gave her a half grin. "I am glad to hear it."

She pressed her lips against his.

He moaned before pulling her closer. "I love you."

Her body melted into his, just as it had so many times before. "I know you do."

Severus smirked before reaching over to the nightstand and grabbing his wand. He aimed it at the door and muttered a few spells. The door gave off a green glow for a moment, only to dissipate.

Hermione burst out laughing. "Are you serious?"

"Yes," he growled before casting a muffliato.

Hermione giggled.

"Come here," He assaulted her lips.

"Severus," Hermione gasped. "Stop."

He released her.

"Let's be reasonable. One of the children may try to enter and check on you."

"Trust me," Severus smirked. "When they hear the buzzing outside of the door they will know that I am more than well."

"Fair enough," Hermione blushed. "Still, it seems rude to lock ourselves in the room and at least not tell them good morning."

"This is our mansion. We can do whatever we bloody well please."

"The children…"

"Have been in the mansion before when we've done this."

"I suppose so, but they were much younger then."

"Were they?"

"Sure, I suppose they were older at certain times, but for the most part we don't engaged in this type of behavior when they are home from Christmas break."

Severus kissed her collarbone and whispered. "That was not true last year." He kissed her higher on the neck. "Or the year before that," he kissed her chin. "Or the year before that."

She sighed as he captured her lips. "I suppose we do have a nasty habit of sneaking behind their backs."

"It is almost as if we are the teenagers, and they are the over-protective parents," he whispered.

She chuckled. "Well, I always did enjoy a secret rendezvous"

"As do I." he purred before grabbing the hem of her nightshirt.

Hermione paled.

Severus released her clothing. "What is troubling you?"

She said nothing.

"Hermione," Severus' voice was louder. "What are you not telling me?"

She took a shaky breath.

"Did I do or say something to you last night?"

She shook her head.

"Is something wrong with one of the children?"

She shook her head again.

"Then what is wrong?"

Hermione rolled up her sleeve. Severus stared at the light markings on her arm. He held his breath.

"I don't want you to be lonely, nor do I want my children to grieve for me," Hermione sniffed. "I don't care what happens to me, but I do care what happens to all of you. My greatest fear is that in your grief, all of you would drift away from each other."

He squeezed her tighter.

"Whatever happens, you need to promise me that you will be happy," Hermione answered. "You need to promise me that you will be happy, and that you will help the children find happiness as best you can."

He kissed her on the cheek.

"Promise me, Severus."

" I promise to do everything in my power to ensure that the children are happy." He released her and gazed into her eyes.

She shook.

"Do not misunderstand me, though," he continued. "I cannot promise that I will be happy because I am only happy when I am with you."

She swallowed. "I suppose that is the best I can get from you."

He rubbed her tears with his thumbs. "It is."

She took a shaky breath. "I love you so much, Severus."

"I love you as well, Hermione."

He pressed his lips against hers once more. She fumbled with one of his nightshirt buttons. He paused. She nodded. Once more, he grabbed her nightshirt and began to pull it off.

Their caresses were no longer wild and carefree, but were thoughtful and slow. Every kiss was tender, every touch soft. Desperate, they clung to each other.